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Equipment

Potomac Eagle is generally hauled by some combination of three General Motors locomotives, built by their Electro Motive Division.

Baltimore & Ohio F7A #722, previously in Potomac Eagle livery, was originally Bessemer & Lake Erie 722 built in 1952. This is the only engine owned by Potomac Eagle.

Baltimore & Ohio GP-9 number 6604 was built in April 1955. The 6604 spent time on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and later the Chessie System who took ownership of the B&O in 1969. It is owned by the South Branch Valley Railroad.

Chessie System GP-9 number 6240 was built in August 1957 as Chesapeake & Ohio 6240, later Chessie 6240 when Chessie was formed from the merger of the B&O and C&O. It is owned by the South Branch Valley Railroad.

B&O 722

The Bessemer 722 spent its life hauling iron ore pellets from the Conneaut, OH ore docks to hungry steel mills in Pittsburgh, PA.The 6604 and 6240 spent the early parts of their career in passenger train service; after the decline of passenger service they were relegated to freight duties.

On most of the Potomac Eagle’s trips, you’ll find an open-air car or two just behind the locomotives on the south end of the train. One of them is an open-top gondola car that had been used to carry freight like pipes or railroad ties. That car has been outfitted with benches, so passengers can step outside to partake in the view of the Trough.

The second open-air car is covered, but has large wide-open windows where you can lean out a little bit to get a better look. This car is one of several where restrooms are located.

Regular passenger coaches are coupled to the north of the open-air cars. Most of these cars came from commuter rail service on the Canadian National. Typical seating in these cars are cushioned, reversible seats where passengers can move the seat-back in order to face in either direction. In the photo on the right, the seats are adjusted to face one another.

Coach

Table Car

We have three cars that feature table-style seating, which is convenient for those bringing picnic lunches or passengers enjoying a bit from our on-board snack car. These cars are also regularly used by charter groups. For charter group trips, catered meals are available, contact us for details.

In the middle of the train is the ever-important concession car. Here, you’ll find a selection of hot dogs, nachos, candy, chips, pretzels, and other snacks. Beverages include hot coffee, soda, Gatorade, and water are available.

Club Car

On the north end of the train is Classic Club. Our lounge cars, Eagle Cañon and Chessie Club, feature couch and loveseat style seating with tables, are climate-controlled, and meal service. Club is available on all trains. The Eagle Cañon and Chessie Club Cars have a classic, stylish look invoking memories of long-gone days of luxury rail travel. This look is complemented by Chesapeake & Ohio railroad china and tableware, just as was done years ago.